Débora Leão, Senior Policy and Advocacy Adviser on Climate of the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), said:
“To protect the planet for children, the way forward is clear: bringing the fossil fuel era to a swift end. The agreement reached at COP28 fell short of accepting this. It is, however, a turning point. For the first time, countries recognised the need for a just and equitable transition away from fossil fuels. This offers a glimmer of hope for the children who have been calling on world leaders to act.
We were encouraged to see the UK among the countries calling for a strong outcome at this conference and welcome the Government’s commitments to help the most vulnerable adapt to climate change. Positive announcements included the UK directing funding toward climate-resilient water, health, education, and nutrition. These are essential services which children need, but too often remain absent in climate finance. Now it is time for the UK to take credible steps to align policies with these commitments, and to increase and speed-up the delivery of resources for those most affected.
Climate change is already changing our world and the lives of children. These talks paved the way for a much-needed, focused discussion on what must be done to address the disproportionate impacts that this crisis is having on children’s lives right now. Countries proposed to hold a dialogue in June 2024, which will see governments and advocates examine relevant policy solutions to prevent children from suffering harms associated with global temperature warming.
We hope to see the UK seize this crucial opportunity to champion children, and to address the climate crisis’ devastating impacts on children’s rights. Children are calling for action to protect them from climate change. They are already having to adapt to a climate-changed world. They need our support.”